As Catholics and stewards here in Southwest
Florida, we have the unique opportunity to
ensure the financial prosperity of the parishes,
schools and good works of our Diocese of
Venice today, and for generations to come.
Our Catholic Community Foundation is
the financial vehicle, and your informational
resource, to accomplish this.

The Catholic Community Foundation of
Southwest Florida, Inc. is a non-profit,
religious, charitable organization that receives
and manages assets to provide endowed
funding specifically to support the parishes,
schools and legacy of our Diocese of Venice.

RYAN MURPHY
Mtxemurphy@gmail.com
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
LINDA FIORE • 239.690.9840
Linda@ConricPR.com
Black & Gold Magazine is published
quarterly; fall, winter, spring, and summer
by Bishop Verot Catholic High School,
Inc. in partnership with CONRIC PR &
Marketing|Publishing. More than 6,500 copies
are provided to alumni, parents, students, and
friends.
Every effort is made to keep our database
up to date and accurate. If you are a parent
receiving this magazine at home in the name
of your child, please contact us so we may
update our database. All address updates
should be made by emailing Patty Holmes at
communications@bvhs.org.

Since 1962, Bishop Verot Catholic High School has been
educating young men and women with the gospel message
as our common core. We are not only providing an excellent
education, we are a great witness to our beliefs and values.
Our school continues to flourish due to the dedication of a
strong and broad community of advocates. The faculty, staff,
local pastors, school board, alumni, parents, past-parents, and
benefactors remain engaged in active support of our Mission.
As you may know, I am a product of Catholic education.
From kindergarten through high school I was fortunate
enough to have my life formed by our faith. My parents were
not wealthy, but they sacrificed for me to ensure I was provided the best education
available, much as you are doing for your own children today. I am writing about it
now because I was struck by a picture I recently saw. It was the 200 new freshman
boys in their shirts and ties standing on the steps of my alma mater, ready to begin
their journey through the hallowed halls of Central Catholic High School, an allboys school. It was a very different era when I attended CCHS but I was proud to see
the school is still going strong. Catholic schools across the country are closing their
doors and public schools are filled to overflowing. Finances are the typical reason
for the shift, but it is hard to deny other changes in our culture and our societal
expectations are playing a part in the decline of Catholic education.
God works in mysterious ways and I had to smile when I looked at the Viking
mascot of Central Catholic, and recognized the same Viking looking down on
me from the halls of Bishop Verot. How poignant it was for me to have come full
circle. My education was founded in the gospel message and now I am a part of the
formation of BV students, helping them live lives of faith just as I have. And just like
Central Catholic, our Verot classes are full and our future is bright. We are not facing
a decline in admissions, rather a surge, and just like our Viking brothers to the north,
we are not afraid to say we are Catholic.
Over the past year, I have taken the initiative to search through other high school
publications to ensure our product exceeds standards. An over-riding message in my
research was how schools highlighted graduates who were successful in the public eye,
in an effort to prove the worth of the education provided. This positive touting was
utilized to bolster the reputation of the school: doctors, lawyers, professional athletes,
teachers, politicians, etc. And yet very little is mentioned about the people behind
the professions. While our alumni hold the same careers, and make a significant
contribution to the betterment of our society, it is essential to point out how Bishop
Verot graduates are more than just successful, more than just a title, they are life-long
practicing Catholics. Every student who attends this great school is armed with an
arsenal of skills they gain in their four years at 5598 Sunrise Drive. We give them
more than just a path to a rewarding career, we provide them with the tools necessary
to make the right decision. Each day I am humbled to be a part of this community
and extremely proud of our Viking family.
We have much to celebrate in the accomplishments of our students and graduates.
We also have a deep responsibility to be faithful to our Catholic Identity and purpose.
We look to the future motivated by faith, sustained by hope, and inspired by love of
God and neighbor.

Bishop Verot Catholic High School, building on more than 50 years of tradition and excellence in Catholic education,
is a community of faith and learning dedicated to service and centered on Christ. An educational ministry of the
Diocese of Venice, Florida, Bishop Verot serves students from southwest Florida as well as international students in
a co-educational college preparatory environment. Bishop Verot provides students with opportunities for lifelong
learning and leadership, teaching skills for college and values for life.

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

FALL 2015 | BLACK & GOLD

5

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Saturday, October 31
Sanibel Island Golf Club
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For information and registration, visit

www.BVHS.org

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99% of our graduates are accepted to college
$11.9 million in college scholarships awarded

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8

BLACK & GOLD | FALL 2015

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

A letter from the Director of Development
My Fellow Vikings,
Here we are again at the beginning of another school year with exciting
changes to share with you. This past summer was one of transformation. We
reconfigured the main entrance to provide increased safety for the Verot family,
and transformed the library into a state-ofâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;the-art media center. We received
a gift of a beautiful gazebo to compliment the chapel garden and a new statue
of the Blessed Mother (in memoriam of Lee Gorgone-Buntrock), which now
adorns the walkway leading to the band room and the gymnasium. A deck, with
picnic tables and umbrellas, has been added to offer more seating for students
during their lunch. These changes all made for an extremely productive but short
summer.
With each of these projects, there was so much support. Parents, alumni, and
the Verot family were all involved in providing the needed funds, labor, and of
course prayers, that helped in these projectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; completions. Bishop Verot is a place
of learning excellence, but it is truly so much more. It is a place of family, faith, and learning. You need only visit
the campus for a few minutes and you sense the true nature of our community.
As always, I want to thank each and every one of you for your contribution of time, talent, and treasure to the
continued success of Bishop Verot Catholic High School. If not for the generosity of those who have chosen
to give back, many of these advances would not be possible. If you have not already done so, please consider a
donation to help our community continue its mission.
Non Excidet!

Gina Lombardo
Director of Development

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

FALL 2015 | BLACK & GOLD

9

CECILIA
HUGHES-SMITH
LIBRARY
A

s Bishop Verot alumni,

you probably remember starting each school
year with a trip to the Book Fair. You arrived
early, with the hope of getting the best books,
and promptly put them in your locker in
anticipation of the first day. At the end of each
school day, you would stand at your locker,
contemplating which of those books you needed
to bring home for homework. Carrying a big,
heavy backpack back and forth to school…ah,
those were the days!

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BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

FALL 2015 | BLACK & GOLD

11

Incoming freshman no longer attend
a Book Fair. Instead, they attend iPad
training, where they learn how to
access their digital textbook from the
“book locker” and how to submit their
assignments online using Canvas. All
homework is found on the Canvas app,
as well as daily grade progress. No more
pens and pencils. A stylus and iPad are
what Verot’s students are using.
Just as technology continues to
change our world, Verot continues to
make improvements supporting these
advancements. Technology continues
to play an important role in all we do,
making the integration of technology in
the classroom a necessity. Our mission
to provide students with opportunities
for lifelong learning and leadership,
teaching skills for college and values
for life is exemplified in the way our
teachers teach.
As the last school year ended, the
transformation began. While students
were leaving the campus, books were
removed from the library, followed
by the shelves. Paper was hung on
the windows leaving curious visitors
wondering. The carpet was torn out,
summer staff grabbed paint brushes
and ladders, and everyone went to
work. New flooring was next, followed
by furniture designed for collaborative
learning spaces. In the open areas of the
Media Center, workstations equipped
with charging stations were installed,
along with chairs for group seating and
high top tables and stools. Flat screen
televisions were hung on the walls,
making digital learning suitable for a
cooperative environment. And finally,
the former VNN studio now holds the
Monsignor iMac Lab, with 6 desktop
Mac computers and green screen for
video creation.

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BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

On the first day of school, students
found the windows still covered in
paper and the door locked. The curiosity
continued, until after the morning
assembly, when students were invited,
class by class, to see their new space. The
excitement was obvious, as they tried
out the new seating and stared in awe at
the new snack bar, Beattie Café.
As you can imagine, the Media
Center has become one of the most
popular places on campus. Students
begin wandering in 30 minutes before
the first bell and stay long after the
final bell. The library, once a place for
quiet, individual study, now a workplace
encouraging students to work together
and share ideas. The comments are all
positive with some comparing the space
to something one would see on a college
campus.
It is with great gratitude we thank
the many families who supported this
project, including those who answered
Dr. Denison’s Call to the Heart at last
year’s Mardi Gras Ball. If not for your
generosity and shared vision for the
future of Bishop Verot, this project
would not have been possible. It is
through our working together, as a
united Verot family, we can continue to
move forward in our mission. BV

Name
at Estero High School
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School
Mariner High School
at Lakeland Christian School
at Lake Placid High School
LaBelle High School
Avon Park High School
East Lee County High School
Mulberry High School
at Gateway Charter High School
at Tenoroc High School
BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Venue
Wildcat Stadium
Bishop Verot High School
Bishop Verot High School
Lakeland Christian School
Roger Scarborough Memorial Stadium
Bishop Verot High School
Bishop Verot High School
Bishop Verot High School
Bishop Verot High School
East Lee County HS
Tenoroc High School

Bill Shields begins his second season as Head Football Coach. Bill began his football
coaching career here in 1991, leading the Vikings to the State Championship game against
Jacksonville Bolles. Bill, and his wife Becky, have three grown children, Jennifer, Bryan and
Lauren, and two grandchildren. Bill also teaches PE and Weight Training.

Mike Gill ’68 is entering his 45th year as a teacher and coach at Bishop Verot. Over
the years, he has served as Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, and woodshop
and drafting teacher. He has coached two generations of families and enjoys
coaching freshman football more than any other sport. Coach Gill’s wife Pat teaches
Mathematics at St. Francis Xavier School in Fort Myers. They have two sons, Zachary
‘98, an attorney, and Patrick ‘05, a doctor.

Jeremy Ridgeo enters his third season as Varsity Volleyball Coach at Bishop Verot,
after coaching volleyball at North Ft. Myers High School for six seasons, where he
is the all-time leader in wins. Coach Ridgeo has taken several 14U teams to the
USAV National Championship tournament as coach and director of plyometric
training and conditioning USA South Volleyball. Originally from Syracuse, NY,
Jeremy has a degree in English from Ithaca College and has been a high school
teacher for thirteen years.
VARSITY COACH
JEREMY RIDGEO

John Leonard has been around the sport of volleyball at various levels for 23 years. He
recently left his position as Head Volleyball Coach of Ave Maria University after three
seasons at the helm. John has had coaching success in both the boys and girls game
and has helped numerous teams earn national bids. As a player, John has participated
in everything from indoor to beach and grass tournaments, including a top 12 finish in
the 1996 USAV Men’s Nationals in Dallas, Texas. John is IMPACT and CAP I certified
and has worked for three seasons at USA South Volleyball.

Name
at Southwest Florida Christian Academy
at Saint John Neumann Catholic High School
Gulf Coast High School
Evangelical Christian School
Barron G. Collier High School
Estero High School
at The Canterbury School
at Gateway Charter High School
at Oasis High School
at Riverdale JV Tournament
LaBelle High School
Gateway Charter High School
Oasis High School
at LaBelle High School
at Barron G. Collier High School

Bishop Verot alumnus Kevin Jordan ’10, and UF graduate ’13, enters his second
year as the Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach this upcoming fall season. Coach
Jordan, a four year varsity letter winner for Varsity Cross Country and Track, hopes
to use his competitive running experience to help guide his team to a successful
season. “I was lucky enough to have both Father John and Father Joe Beattie as my
coaches when I ran here not too long ago. To this day, I still carry the lessons they
taught me about life and running, and I want nothing more than to be able to pass
that wisdom on to our newest BVXC family.”
HEAD COACH
KEVIN JORDAN

Jason Baumgardner was born and
raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He
played baseball for Elon University
and earned his B.S. in Sports
Management/Business. Jason taught
Physical Education and coached
many sports teams, including
swimming and diving, for 9 years at
the Community School of Naples.
While there, the Swim and DiveTeam
won four District Championships.
For the past six years, he has served
as Athletic Director, and this past
year, Dean of Students at the Village
School of Naples. Jason, and his wife
Jennifer, have four daughters, Sandra
’17, Erika ’18, Deisy ’20 and Laura
’21. He feels very blessed to have the
opportunity to be a leader of such a
successful program.

Andy Scott is entering his third year coaching the Bishop Verot Boys Golf Team. He
originally hails from Kentucky and has trained with world renown golf teachers such
as Hank Haney, Bob Toski, Jim McLean, Phil Ritson, and Mac O’Grady. He has been
amongst his peers and students alike as one of the top golf instructors in South Florida.
His positive, simplistic approach to golf lessons has helped many players improve their
games. Andy has a strong junior golf program which has produced 23 juniors to NCAA
Collegiate Golf Scholarships.
HEAD COACH
ANDY SCOTT

After graduating high school in 1985, Ed Lockard moved to Ft. Myers to attend Edison
Junior College. He has been a member of the Professional Golfer’s Association of
America (PGA) for 22 years. Ed has been the head golf professional at the Dunes
Golf & Tennis Resort on Sanibel and at the Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples.
In addition, he was the PGA director of golf at The Sanctuary Golf Club located
on Sanibel for nine years, and in November of 2012, purchased Beachview Golf &
Tennis Club (now known as Sanibel Island Golf Club) also located on Sanibel Island.
He is in his third year of coaching Girls Varsity Golf at Bishop Verot.
HEAD COACH
ED LOCKARD

Heidi Nychyk enters her second season as Head Coach of the Varsity Cheerleading
Squad at Bishop Verot, after coaching cheerleading at St. Michael Lutheran School
for many years. At St. Michaels, her team won first place at CFLAA and First Place
National Champions at the 2014 Contest of Champions. Heidi has an extensive
background in dance, has danced professionally, and taught dance for several years.
Heidi resides in Fort Myers with her husband Tim and daughter, Julia ’18.

Amy Glasgow enters her first year coaching at Bishop Verot. Amy was born and raised
in Plover, Wisconsin. Amy served in the United States Army. She has an extensive
background in cheer, including five years with Pop Warner. Last year, her team won
the National Title for PeeWee Co-Ed. Amy lives in Cape Coral with her husband Cris,
and three children, Trevor ’16, Bryce ’17, and Harley ’19.

Garth Steger is entering his second year leading the Drum Line. He spent eight years
teaching in Central Florida, following his masters degree, where he worked with
multiple competitive marching percussion lines (drumlines and front ensembles) at
various schools. Many of these groups have performed at FMBC State Championships
and have been awarded first prize in their division. Garth is happy to be at Bishop Verot
working with the drumline and band.

Remembering Lee Gorgone-Buntrock
By Mr. Bill Stejskal
cheer and band trips, hosted cheerleading
dinners, and drove the girls to games.
She even chaperoned a class trip to
Washington, D.C. What she did speaks to
her dedication to the school and students.
Over the years preceding her death, she
often talked about how she loved being
around the students and staff. Her
daughter, Rusti, stated when her Mom was
at Verot attending sporting events, plays,
volunteering, whatever the capacity, they
were the happiest times in her life.
When Mrs. Buntrock passed away in
March, 2015, her family asked all
donations in her memory be sent to
Bishop Verot. With those funds, a
memorial garden was established on
campus. It is complete with flowers, a
small brick pathway and a statue of the
Virgin Mary, for whom she had great
love and devotion. Her grandchildren will
maintain the area throughout the year. BV

Lee Gorgone-Buntrock began

her involvement with Bishop Verot in 1968
when her oldest daughter, Debbie, enrolled
in her freshman year. This began a 36 year
association with the school. In addition
to Debbie, Mrs. Buntrock had five other
children - David, Donna, Greg, Tommy
and Rusti - graduate from Verot, as well as
five grandchildren - DJ, Michael, Allison,
Katie and Emma-Lee. There are two more
grandchildren - Madison, Class of 2018,
and Abigail, Class of 2019 - presently
attending Verot. Besides her role as a Verot
parent, Mrs. Buntrock was a member of the
BV School Board, serving multiple terms,
from 1968 - 1974 and returning 1986
- 1988. In 1992, she began working in the
Front Office as the receptionist, a position
she held until 2004.
Her involvement with the school
extended well beyond her children and her
job. Mrs. Buntrock chaperoned numerous

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BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Catholic Community Foundation...

Helping students fulfill the college dream
The Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholarship
Fund is the first of its kind in the Diocese of Venice. This
scholarship fund, managed by the Catholic Community
Foundation, is shared among graduates of all three Catholic
High Schools: Bishop Verot, St. John Neumann, and
Cardinal Mooney.
Bishop Verot has had three students chosen for this
scholarship since its inception in 2012: (1) Ashleigh
Brittenham ‘13, currently a junior at Florida State University,
(2) Joanna Lubin ‘14, a sophomore at the University of
Florida, and (3) Hannah Arcentales ‘15, a freshman at Notre
Dame. Qualified applicants submit an essay explaining
what their Catholic education has meant to them; what the

“The Coseglia Memorial Scholarship
took off some of the financial stress of
going to college. I have always worried
about how I was going to pay for
college. Not only did this scholarship
provide me with a way to pay for my
books and tuition, but it also allowed
me to pursue my dreams. With the help
of the Coseglia Memorial Foundation,
Bishop Verot, and FSU, I am able to be
one of the first people in my family to
pursue a college degree.”
~ Ashleigh Brittenham ’13

scholarship would enable them to do; as well as outlining
their future goals. Applicants must meet the following
prerequisites: (1) completed all four years at a Diocese of
Venice High School, (2) receive acceptance into an accredited
college or university, (3) demonstrate financial need, (4) be
in good academic standing, and (5) provide documentation
of significant service to their school and parish. The Catholic
Community Foundation’s committee members review all
applications and award the scholarship funds.
Choosing Catholic education is a financial sacrifice, which
can make make funding college a challenge. The assistance
available through the Catholic Community Foundation of
Southwest Florida, and this scholarship specifically, can make
all the difference. BV

“I am so grateful to have been
awarded the Coseglia Memorial
Scholarship my senior year at Bishop
Verot. The award came as a surprise for
me during our senior award assembly. I
remember listening to the introduction
for the award and not thinking much
of it until my name was called. The
extra money really helped with some
of my college expenses, so that was
one less thing for my family and me to
worry about. Right now I am attending
the University of Florida, majoring in
health science on the pre-dental track
and minoring in Spanish. I love it here
in Gainesville because there is always
something new and adventurous to do.”
~ Joanna Lubin ’14
BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

“I’m so grateful for the financial and
moral support of the Coseglia Memorial
Scholarship. This scholarship, along with
other generous sources, has allowed me
to attend my dream school. I couldn’t be
more thankful for the opportunities I’ve
been afforded through the continued
support of Bishop Verot and the greater
Diocese of Venice community. Thank
you for helping me pursue my goals and
dreams at Notre Dame! Go Irish!”
~ Hannah Arcentales ’15

FALL 2015 | BLACK & GOLD

47

Alumni return to the classroom

V

ikings typically take their Verot family very seriously, as is evident by the number of students returning to the
Bishop Verot campus. Recent graduates come back to visit teachers and friends during their college breaks, former
athletes return to the fields as coaches, and current parents reminisce about the time they spent walking these halls as students
themselves.
Some of our alumni go a step further and make Verot their career. Currently, we have 16 alumni on the staff as educators and
administrators at Bishop Verot. To be able to preserve and share the Viking spirit with current students is impactful. Some of
these alumni shared their thoughts about what it means to return to Verot…

would
“I cannot imagine what my life
n with
be like without my associatio
kids,
Verot. My wife, Candi, and my
are
Barrett and Kate - all of whom
because
BV grads - have been blessed
family.”
of our involvement with this

Bill Stejskal ‘71

“I feel at home at Verot. The
sense of community and
family still exists and I am pro
ud to tell people I am an
alumnus!”

Dr. Stefanie Beck Hart
‘94

ly learned how to solve
“As a student, I not on
ents
ility of independent ev
the compound probab
se
er!) and how to compo
(thank you Ms. Shrin
of
s
se
y based on my analy
an argumentative essa
how
u Mrs. Elmeer!), but
literar y texts (thank yo
th. It
of a community of fai
to truly be a member
the
ck and get to work in
is wonderful to be ba
rot
ment that is Bishop Ve
on
vir
en
d
re
te
en
-c
ist
Chr
High School.”

3

Jill Brauer Rhone ‘0

“I’m very thankful to be back at
Bishop Verot teaching Algebra
and the new Introduction to
Business course. When I decided
to change careers from banking to
education, I knew that BVHS was
the only place that I wanted to be.
It’s truly special to return home to
the Verot family.”
James Orr ‘03

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BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

at Verot. My two children
“I am honored to be teaching
hews have graduated
and some of my nieces and nep
nds in my time here as a
from here. I made lifelong frie
same as a teacher. I feel
student and continue to do the
ent where I can share
blessed to work in an environm
ny sacrifices were made
my faith with my students. Ma
e. My husband and I
by my parents to send me her
I value the learning
did the same for our children.
provided at Verot and
environment and opportunities
enhance them.”
work each day to promote and

The Courtyard
is Open
for Its
37th Season

Denise Bevillard York ‘82

“It ’s like being welcomed bac
k into a family. The constant
support from my fellow facult
y members and former
teachers makes me feel like I
always have someone on
whom I can rely. I also made
fast friends with the other
alumni on staff because we eas
ily relate to each other
about shared experiences tha
t we had here as students.
I love having the opportunity
to give back to the
community that made me wh
o I am.”

Lisa Stevens ‘07

n a special place for me.
“Bishop Verot has always bee
nds that I am still close
As a student, I made true frie
time, my Catholic faith
with today, while at the same
er the guidance and
strengthened and solidified und
rs. Now after many
examples of phenomenal teache
at Verot helping
years, I feel blessed to be back
and share in its
to educate and guide students,
this school. GO
traditions once again. I love
VIKINGS!”

e are pleased to introduce
our newest members of
the Bishop Verot family.

Sean Boyan
Mr. Sean Boyan begins his 28th year
in Catholic education, joining Bishop
Verot as a Theology teacher. Sean holds
a Master’s Degree of Theology from
Villanova University in Pennsylvania,
where he also completed his
undergraduate studies. He most recently
taught, for five years, at Cardinal
Gibbons High School in Raleigh,
North Carolina. Sean is happy to be
close to the beach and enjoys following

50

BLACK & GOLD | FALL 2015

the New York Mets. He and his wife
Pamela have 3 daughters, Caroline, 29,
Grace, 23 and Hannah, 18.

Jennifer Crouch
Jennifer grew up in Lakeland, Florida,
where she attended Santa Fe Catholic
High School, and then graduated from
the University of South Florida with
a degree in English Education. She
began her teaching career at George
Jenkins Senior High in Lakeland,
teaching English I, II, and IV, as well
as American History. After taking
time off to be with her two boys, and a
brief move to Lansing, Michigan, for
her husband’s job with Auto-Owners
BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Insurance Company, Jennifer arrived
in Ft. Myers, only to be welcomed by
Hurricane Charley. Jennifer spent 9
years teaching middle school Language
Arts at Ft. Myers Christian School,
and then moved to Six Mile Charter
Academy to work with struggling
students in the Intensive Reading
Program. She is delighted to be joining
her two sons at Bishop Verot, Andy ‘16
and Alex ‘19. Beginning her 16th year
of teaching, she is currently teaching
English I and IV, and assisting with
WHO club, and feels very blessed to be
a member of the Bishop Verot family.
Go Vikings!

Kevin Jordan ‘10
Kevin Jordan is yet another Bishop
Verot graduate who has returned to
the Bishop Verot community. After
graduating from the University of
Florida with a degree in Psychology,
Mr. Jordan moved back home to Ft.
Myers to help coach the Verot Cross
Country, Basketball, and Track and
Field teams. This year, he joins us as the
newest addition to the Social Studies
Department as a World History and
American History teacher. He feels
very blessed to have been given this
wonderful opportunity, and is extremely
excited for what lies ahead!

Fr. Murchadh O’Madagain
Fr. Murchadh O’Madagain
(pronounced Mur-a-ca) was born and
raised in Galway in the West of Ireland.
He has three brothers and three sisters.
He was ordained a priest in 1998 and
has worked as a hospital chaplain and
in various parishes. He studied in
Rome from 2002-05 and completed his
Doctorate in Spiritual Theology. He has
also published three books: St. Therese
of Lisieux: Through Love and Suffering;
Centering Prayer and the Healing of
the Unconscious; and By the Word of
Their Testimony: the Journey of a Priest.
He moved to the U.S. in 2013 and has
worked in Sarasota and Venice. He
now serves at Bishop Verot, FGCU, and
the Church of the Resurrection.

Kelly Metevia
Kelly is very excited to be working
again at Bishop Verot. Some of you
may remember her husband, Jason,
and she coached our cheerleaders from
2007-2010. Kelly is originally from
Sterling Heights, MI and has a degree
in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts from
Central Michigan University. After

graduating from CMU, she began
working at various television stations
in Michigan. Those jobs gave her
experience in reporting, videography,
editing, producing and anchoring. Kelly
moved to Florida in 2006 and worked
for a number of years as a Reporter
and Anchor for NBC2 and ABC7.
She decided to make a career change
and share her years of experience and
knowledge in the television news field
with students, accepting a job as a TV
production teacher for Lee County
Schools. She is happy to be joining
the Verot family once again. Kelly and
her husband have two little girls. Her
3-year-old daughter attends St. Francis
Xavier and they just welcomed their
second daughter in May.

and Mathematics Departments. He
earned his Bachelor of Science Degree
in Mechanical Engineering from
Kettering University and his Master
of Science Degree from Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute. Originally from
Michigan, he worked at General
Motors Corporation for twenty years in
multiple engineering and manufacturing
roles. Stephen and his family relocated
to Florida over 5 years ago to be closer
to family, and he was most recently
the Engineering and Manufacturing
Manager at Haynes Corporation in
Naples, Florida. Stephen and his wife
Stacie have been married for seventeen
years and have one daughter, Claire,
who is beginning her freshman year at
Bishop Verot High School.

John Phillips

Katie Schlotterbeck

Mr. John Phillips begins his 21st year
in education, joining Bishop Verot
as a Theology teacher as well as the
Special Teams, Tight End, and Outside
Linebacker Coach for the Varsity
Football team. John graduated from
Lycoming College and later attended
Marywood Catholic University in
Dunmore, Pennsylvania, earning his
Master Level Catholic Catechist
certification. As a high school football
coach for the past 21 years, John
coached the current NFL rushing
champion DeMarco Murray in high
school, as well as current Florida State
Wide receiver Travis Rudolph, and
worked for three years under Steve
Walsh (former Miami Hurricane and
NFL QB) at Cardinal Newman High
School. John and his wife Jessica have
two sons, Jack, 10, and Joey, 7. He is
grateful to join the Bishop Verot family.

Katie is very excited to be teaching
biology and physical science at Bishop
Verot. She was born and raised in
Chicago, Illinois and graduated with
a bachelor’s degree from Concordia
Teachers College, River Forest, in
1982, majoring in Education with
a minor in Science and Physical
Education. She has spent the last 32
years teaching middle school science at
St. Michael Lutheran School in Fort
Myers. Katie and her husband, Tom
Schlotterbeck, have two sons; Isaac
‘12, a senior at Dickinson College in
Carlisle, Pennsylvania and Jonas ’14, a
sophomore at American University in
Washington D.C. She loves to travel
and learn about other cultures and
people, and recently spent two weeks
in China and a week in Cuba visiting
schools and studying how they teach
science. BV

This summer,Viking
cheerleaders were
awarded with exclusive
invitations to perform
at the 2016 Buffalo Wild
Wings Citrus Bowl PreGame Performance and
the 2015 Varsity Spirit
Spectacular at Disney
World. They were given this honor based on their
performance at this summer’s Universal Cheerleaders
Association camp on the UCF campus in Orlando. The
team was also presented with the Tradition plaque,
awarded to the team who inspired leadership on and off
the field. Great job!

The Horns and
Swords club was
established five
years ago as a
Viking spirit club,
with the goal
of encouraging
the student
body to attend and support their fellow Vikings
at BVHS sporting events. Horns and Swords also
organizes a number of events and fundraisers, including
Homecoming Karaoke and spirit wear sales. In keeping
with their goals of school spirit, our Viking Creed
now hangs in the senior courtyard. A monument with
the Viking Creed engraved on the front serves as a
reminder of our Non Excidet spirit and was recently
dedicated and blessed in Viking Stadium.

Guest Speaker Jenna Sandoval ’02
This fall, juniors and seniors
were invited to Jenna’s
presentation on college success
and career preparedness. Jenna
shared her experiences in sales,
marketing, and advertising,
both with Google and
Instagram, across the U.S. and
internationally. She also talked
about the importance of internship programs and
offered resume pointers.

International Student Banquet
Each year, the National
Honor Society, together
with the Student
Government Association,
hosts an International
Student Banquet welcoming
our new students to the
Verot family. This year, we broke bread with students
from Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, the Dominican
Republic,Vietnam, and China. We had a great time
getting to know each other!

52

BLACK & GOLD | FALL 2015

Junco Nelson named
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Junco has been named a
Semifinalist in the 2016 National
Merit Scholarship Program, the
only student from the Class of
2016 to be honored with this
distinction. Out of approximately
1.5 million juniors who entered
the competition by taking the
2014 PSAT, only 16,000 of the
highest scorers are named
Semifinalists, representing
less than one percent of U.S.
high school seniors. Junco is
a member of the National
Honor Society, volunteering
many hours of service to her community, and also
runs for the Bishop Verot Varsity Cross Country team.
Congratulations to Junco. Hard work pays off!

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

2015 SEASON WRAP UP
Scott is one of 4 youth sailors chosen to train with the US Olympic Team
this year.
Congratulations Scott for also placing in the following races:
• 1st place at US National Laser Radial Championship in Brant Beach, NJ
• 1st place at Laser North American Laser Radial Championship Manteo,
NC (this win Qualifies for Radial Youth Worlds in Dun Laoghaire,
Ireland 2016)
• 1st place at the Divisional High School Sailing Championship Qualifier in
St. Pete, FL
• 3rd place at US Sailing Laser Radial Youth Champs at Roger Williams
University in Portsmouth, RI
• 13th place at Youth Laser Radial Worlds at Kingston, ON
Best of luck Scott in The Cressy High School Singlehanded
Championship at the Old Dominion University Sailing
Center in Norfolk, VA on October 30th against
divisional winners from high schools across the
country.
Good luck in Rio this October training
with the US Olympic Team.

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

FALL 2015 | BLACK & GOLD

53

Jeff Skupny ’98

Tia Marie Garavuso ’04

Jeff and his wife, Melissa,
welcomed their first
child, Luca Robert, born
on May 7, 2015. Luca
was baptized September
27, 2015, at The Church
of the Resurrection by
Monsignor McNamara.
Jeff is a dentist in private
practice in Naples.
Melissa is a physical
therapist, most recently
at Naples Community
Hospital. The couple
resides with their son
and English Bulldog, Lulu, in Estero.

Christopher Dalton
Johnson (Class of
2003) and Tia Marie
Garavuso (Class of
2004) celebrated their
wedding at the Biltmore
in Atlanta on New
Year’s Eve. Christopher
played baseball for
Bishop Verot and is
currently playing Major
League Baseball for
the Cleveland Indians.
Tia was class president
and is a graduate of
Florida State University.
The couple resides in
Cleveland, Ohio.

Vanessa Akin ’02
Vanessa Akin recently
joined the Board of
the Ronald McDonald
House Charities of
Southwest Florida. She
is also the President of
the Red Shoe Society,
the young professionals
group that raises funds
and awareness for
the Ronald McDonald
House. Vanessa is
teaching Art History and
Law Studies at Bishop
Verot. Vanessa and her
husband, Richard ‘02,
have a one year old
daughter, Mary.

Michael Lehnert ’08
Michael graduated
spring of 2015 from
the University of
Florida Levin Law
School. Michael is
recently engaged to
Leah Heinrich, also
a graduate of the
University of Florida’s
Levin Law School. The
couple resides in Fort
Myers and is planning
a November 2016
wedding at the Heitman
House.

ALUMNI CALENDAR
Class of 1966 Reunion
Date and Time TBD. Please contact Gary Ricciardi '66 for more information or to help with the
reunion at penguin.ysu@att.net

54

BLACK & GOLD | FALL 2015

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Kelly Richards ’08

Calvin Holmes ’11

Kelly has opened
her second store
in downtown Fort
Myers, a.R.e. The name
a.R.e by Belle Fille is
a combination of the
owners two names,
the a stands for Kim’s
middle name, Ann, the e
stands for Kelly’s middle
name Eden and the R is
their shared last name,
Richards. Kelly wanted
the sister store to
reflect a downtown vibe,
industrial yet eclectic.
You can find the new
store on Hendry Street.

Nathan Skupny ’09
Nathan became engaged
to Priscilla Bezerra in
December, 2014. They
will be married in April,
2016 at Church of the
Resurrection in Fort
Myers. Both FSU grads,
Nathan is an actuarial
specialist with LTC
Global in Fort Myers,
and Priscilla is the
District Secretary for
State Representative
Matt Caldwell, Dist. 79.
The couple resides in Fort Myers.

Calvin has received his
Bachelor’s Degree in
Hospitality Management
from the University of
Central Florida’s Rosen
College of Hospitality.
He is now employed
with the Four Seasons
Resort Orlando as
a supervisor in the
Recreation Department.

Cara Harrington ’11
Cara Harrington, a
Gabelli Presidential
Scholar, graduated summa
cum laude with a B.A.
in Theatre Arts and a
Minor in Management
and Leadership from
Boston College. She was
awarded the McCarthy
Prize for best humanities
thesis for her Scholar
of the College project.
She received the J. Paul
Marcoux Award for
academic and artistic
excellence in theatre
and was inducted into
the Phi Beta Kappa and
Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies. Post-graduation, she is
working for the Independent Television and Film Festival
as a VIP Coordinator in New York City. She wishes to
pursue a career in television content development

ALUMNI CALENDAR
Class of 1986 Reunion
Tentative dates: July 22-24, 2016. Please contact Kerri Goldsmith for more information or to help
with the reunions at 239-218-7400 or kagoldsmith@gmail.com.
BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

FALL 2015 | BLACK & GOLD

55

ALUMNI

SPORTS

Class of ‘01

Class of ‘11

Chris Johnson

Chase Marinell

cleveland indians

golf

Johnson’s seventh Major League
season saw him move to a new
destination, as the infielder was
traded from the Atlanta Braves
to the Cleveland Indians midseason. Between the two teams,
Johnson had recorded 48 hits
and 11 runs batted in as of
September 8, scoring 15 runs.
In his second game with the
Indians, Johnson went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two
runs scored in an 8-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Class of ‘10

Katie Mosher
florida state volleyball

After a brilliant four-year career
as a libero for the Seminoles,
Mosher joined the Florida State
coaching staff as a volunteer
assistant. As of September 7,
the Seminoles were ranked
19th in the nation, and were
picked to finish second in the
ACC. Mosher is also a member of the Florida Wave, a
member of the USA Premier Volleyball League.
Stephanie Peacock
swimming

Peacock finished second
in the 800 meter freestyle
at the Phillips 66 National
Championships, nearly running
down the first place finisher
in the final 50 meters with a
30.11 second time down the
stretch. Peacock swam the 800
meters in 8 minutes, 28.25 seconds. In early September,
Peacock was named to the USA Swimming National
Team for 2015-2016 in the 800 meter freestyle, one of
six American swimmers in the event on the team.

56

BLACK & GOLD | FALL 2015

Marinell, who is currently
playing professional golf on the
Canadian PGA Tour, had an
excellent end to the summer,
finishing in the top ten in four
of his most recent (as of press
time) six events, including a
second-place finish in The
Great Waterway Classic in
Kingston, Ontario. He posted a third round 65, which
was his best round on tour until a first round 64
the following week in the Wildfire Invitational. As of
September 9, Marinell was ranked 17th in the tour’s
Order of Merit.
Daniel Vogelbach
chicago cubs organization

Vogelbach finished his 2015
season with the Tennessee
Smokies, the double-A affiliate
of the Chicago Cubs.Vogelbach
hit .279 with 26 extra-base
hits and 39 runs batted in.
He recorded a .415 on-base
percentage, the best mark in his
four-year professional career. In
June,Vogelbach was selected to
play for Team USA in the Pan American Games.
Andrew Palumbo, Vara SK
professional soccer (Sweden)
In late July, Palumbo signed a
contract to play professional
soccer for Vara SK, a team in the
Swedish third division. Palumbo
had played at Northern Illinois
University, and was part of
Verot’s 2011 state championship
team.

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

ALUMNI
Class of ‘12

SPORTS
Erin Persinger
maryville soccer

Gina Clarke

Persinger played in all of
Maryville’s first three games,
including two victories for the
Clarke started each of the
Scots. Persinger helped her
first four games for the Tampa
Spartans, playing every set for a team to a shutout victory over
team ranked No. 1 in the nation Bridgewater on September 5, a
1-0 win. The senior made four
at the Division II level. Clarke
starts and twenty appearances
recorded 169 assists over the
for the Scots as a junior.
14 sets, good for and average
of just over 12 assists per set.
Clarke’s Spartans have started
the season 3-1, and are seeking
to repeat as national champions.
Paige Law
tampa volleyball

Class of ‘13

Bridgette Ward
florida southern volleyball

Ward, a senior outside hitter
for the Mocs, played in three
of the first four games for
Florida Southern. The Mocs
were ranked No. 11 in the
nation, as of press time, and
were undefeated in the team’s
opening four contests, dropping
only one set out of 13.

fgcu soccer

Law scored her second FGCU
goal on August 30 in Tampa,
scoring in a 7-0 victory over
LIU-Brooklyn. Law also scored
a goal off the bench in one of
the team’s preseason matches,
a 72nd minute game-winner to
give the Eagles a victory over
the Florida Gators, which were
ranked No. 8 in the nation.
Quade Marinell

Bair Diamond
florida football

Over the summer, Diamond
was awarded a full scholarship
for his final season with the
Gator football program.
Diamond had been a walk-on
for the previous three seasons,
seeing time on the field in
2014 as a redshirt sophomore.
Diamond was awarded his
scholarship by head coach Jim
McElwain at a summer practice
in front of his teammates.

lee university soccer

In the first three games of the
season, Marinell scored two
goals, one of three Flames to
score multiple goals in the
opening stretch of games.
Marinell scored in the first
two games, both victories, and
his goal in the season opener
against Emmanuel was the
game-winner and the match’s
only score. He also scored in
a 4-0 victory over Trevecca
Nazarene.

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

FALL 2015 | BLACK & GOLD

57

ALUMNI

SPORTS

DJ Oceant-Kelly

Dan Tufariello

saint vincent football

florida southwestern baseball

Oceant-Kelly was the leading
receiver for St.Vincent College
in their season opener against
nationally-ranked John Carroll
University. Oceant-Kelly made
three catches for 32 yards,
including a catch of 22 yards.
The receiver led St.Vincent
in receiving in 2014 with 52
catches and a touchdown. He
also handled kick return duties
for the Bearcats, returning three kicks for a total 84
yards. His longest return was a long 39 yard scamper.
TJ Feeney
saint vincent football

After playing in every game in
2014 and making 30 tackles,
Feeney made one tackle in
the season opener against
John Carroll University. The
junior linebacker has played
in every game since his arrival
on campus in 2013, making 46
total tackles.

Class of ‘14
Peter Routsis

Tufariello, who will play this year
at the newly minted Florida
SouthWestern State College
program, was named an All-Star
in the South Florida Collegiate
Baseball League, a summer wood
bat league for collegiate players.
Tufariello hit .327 with 34 hits,
nine doubles, and 12 runs batted
in, all best on his Palm Beach
Blazers.

Class of ‘15
Quinn Farrell

mount st. joseph football

Farrell was the starting
quarterback for Mount St.
Joseph in the season opener
against Augustana College.
Farrell played well in his first
game as a true freshman,
tossing three touchdowns and
no interceptions in a narrow
loss. He completed 21 of his
40 passes for 245 yards, and
added 17 yards on the ground
on a pair of carries. Farrell is expected to guide the MSJ
offense, which put up 39 points in the opening game.

st. bonaventure soccer

Routsis played in each of
the first four games for the
Bonnies, including getting
a start in the team’s match
against LIU-Brooklyn on
September 4. The defender
was making his first
four appearances for St.
Bonaventure, and helped the
Bonnies to a season-opening
2-1 victory over NJIT.

58

BLACK & GOLD | FALL 2015

BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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